After an extensive renovation, Pete Dye's masterpiece is an even tougher exam now that the Players is held in May

By: Tom Cunneff

Appeared in May/June 2007 LINKS

Few courses test PGA Tourists–or everyday tourists–more than the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium course. To make it around Pete Dye's exacting design in one piece, or even three pieces, is quite a feat. From the tips, the course has the USGA's highest maximum Slope Rating, 155.

This ultimate target-golf layout demands that you put your ball in the correct spot with each swing. It isn't so much a case of whether you'll find trouble as much as how you'll handle it when you do. That's what's so fun about watching the Players. Where else do you see pros with real fear in their eyes?

With the tournament's move to May, the course looks and plays better than ever, especially after a renovation that included rebuilding the greens and fairways with a drainage system to promote firm, fast conditions. In addition, Dye restored bunkers, lake banks, bridges, and bulkheads.

How appropriate that he became famous for his railroad ties here: There isn't a more perfect place for a train wreck.